The Ermita de Santa Margarita brings together two sides of Abejuela: it is a former parish church on a hill and the destination of a circular hike. The GR 10 also runs through the village along named streets and descends to the Rambla de Abejuela. Together with the watchtower, the cistern and the surrounding limestone ridges, these make for an excursion combining architecture and mountain scenery.

Buildings in Abejuela

The rectangular Torre de Abejuela watchtower has a footprint of approximately 8.5 × 6.5 metres. On the main façade, it reaches around 10 metres in height and is now divided into four storeys. It may date back to the 13th century.

The Ermita de Santa Margarita stands at the highest point of a hill. Its single-nave interior is divided into four sections by transverse arches, which support a simple gabled timber roof. The tower of the Iglesia de San Agustín is also clearly articulated: it has a square floor plan and consists of three sections separated by cornices. The tower is built of ashlar and rubble masonry; the bells are housed in the uppermost section. Above the settlement there is also a large cistern, covered by a shallow vault made of rough-hewn ashlar stones.

Hiking to the Ermita and along the GR 10

The circular hike to the Ermita de Santa Margarita begins at the medieval cistern on the edge of the village, in the direction of Los Cerezos. It is almost 11 kilometres long, takes a little over three hours and involves just over 500 metres of ascent. The first 3.5 kilometres climb steadily; the terrain is initially easy to walk. This longer uphill hike complements the GR 10 route through the village.

The road or paved path from Abejuela to the hamlet of Los Cerezos (Manzanera) leads to the Ermita. About 5.5 kilometres from Abejuela, a signposted path branches off towards Los Cerezos; after around 700 metres, it leads directly to the chapel.

The GR 10 stage from Abejuela to Arcos de las Salinas is listed by the Government of Aragón as a Sendero Turístico de Aragón (Aragón Tourist Trail). Within Abejuela, the route follows Calle La Fuente, Plaza Mayor and Calle Cantón before descending to the Rambla de Abejuela and passing Fuente Pocicos. The section crosses the high ground and connects with several hiking and mountain biking routes. Remains of trenches and bunkers can be found along the GR 10 near Abejuela; accessibility may vary. Check trail conditions and signage before setting out.

Limestone ridges and vegetation

The limestone mountain ranges around Abejuela have erosion-flattened peaks at elevations between 1,400 and 1,600 metres. Juniperus thurifera (Spanish juniper) is the dominant species in the municipality; there are also larch-pine and mixed-pine forests, as well as holm oak stands. The municipality of Abejuela lies on the Rambla de Abejuela, a tributary of the Turia.

Discover more destinations: Aguaviva, Mas de las Matas, Monreal Del Campo, La Cañada De Verich, Valjunquera, Ojos Negros, Calomarde, Torre Del Compte

For the broader travel overview: Teruel.